February 12 to May 11, 2018Facilitator Nanci Lee with Guest Expert Panelists

Course Description

According to the 70-20-10 rule, 70 percent of a manager's learning and development comes from "on-the-job" assignments that "stretch them," 20 percent from mentoring and 10 percent from the classroom. Systems thinking and social innovation depend on sound analysis of the situation, on the spot problem solving and creativity and the ability to monitor well and experiment.

This course is uniquely designed for savings groups, producer groups and cooperative practitioners along this ratio of activities taking advantage of what e-learning uniquely offers. The heart of the course is a work-based action research assignment with a focus on key analytical skills and critical reflection around organizational issues. Participants have the time and space to practice and adapt in the field real time while learning about global best practices and receiving peer coaching and facilitator mentoring. Course webinars will also include opportunities to interact with international savings groups experts.

Savings Groups (SGs), SACCOs and other member-owned models have demonstrated strong ability to support unserved and marginalized populations in saving, borrowing, informal insurance and other social supports. However, unpredictable risks, shocks and conflict are ever-present and these populations are even more exposed to risks. This course addresses the dire need to build capacity of local practitioners who can think and problem-solve "on their feet." The course uses a blend of systems thinking, gendered contextual analysis and current evidence and practice in member-owned microfinance. Key modules include: member-owned microfinance; scaling and linking strategies; good governance and social performance; financial ratios for groups; innovations such e-banking and reaching youth, remote and other financially excluded groups.

To enhance peer-mentoring and coaching, senior and junior leaders are invited to attend together. Youth participants (under age 26) are offered a discount of 15% of the tuition fee.

MasterCard Foundation Microfinance Scholarships will be available.

Photo courtesy of: Jeff Ashe

What our students say about the course:

“This course taught me not what to think but how to think.”

“My organization is pleased with my work. Since I have enrolled in this course, I have improved in every aspect of my work”

“Because the government is currently working on how to formalize the Informal Financial Groups, he [supervisor] believes this work [action research] and other course materials will provide useful inputs if shared.”

REGISTER TODAY!

Scholarships are available from the MasterCard Foundation Microfinance Scholars Program